photo: Stockbyte/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 25

With only 25 days until the wedding (!), I have now entered Phase Three of my 3-cycle personal training plan. This system, according to Equinox trainer David Manzalaoui, is a “system of non-linear periodization. Periodization,” he says, “consists of specific methods of manipulating training variables to provide variation in volume of intensity.” David switches up my routine by mixing up exercise order and choice, sets, reps [see chart: right], intensity, and rest periods. Right now, in phase three, it’s an all-around challenge!

Want to go through your own 3-cycle system? Check it out!

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 74
Wake up, work out, eat, sleep…wake up, work out, eat, sleep…ever feel like a workout robot? I do. The second I start to feel like I’m coasting through my routine, I switch it up. My latest venture: Pilates! I’ve dabbled in Pilates before, but never with the Magic Circle [pictured above]. This amazing Pilates accessory is used for stretching, form and provides even more intensity during core exercises. A plus: Equinox offers some great lunchtime mat classes that incorporate this workout tool—not too much sweat…just enough burn. Like any exercise I’ve recently tackled (hello, running bride!), I’m focusing on form.

Here are some form tips from Danielle Havasy, instructor at Pilates Movement…

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photo: Photodisc/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 46

This past weekend, after Brian and I took a run, I felt a burst of energy and started to do some workout moves from my personal training sessions at Equinox. At first glance, Brian said, “Pshh…that looks easy!” To which I replied, “WHAT? You try it!” Brian accepted my challenge and tried some carefully selected (read: difficult!) exercises, and…yep…he admitted they aren’t easy.

Looks can be deceiving. At first glance, you may not think these exercises look tough. Try ‘em out, and I bet you’ll be singing a different tune.

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photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 67

Brides tend to worry about arm flab and back fat, but what about a jiggly booty? I get it…backsides are normally not on display in bride photos, but they are in honeymoon photos! Since my prominent bridal booty has been on my mind recently, I thought I would share with you the three butt exercises I love to hate at my Equinox playground.
Here are the moves…

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photo: Photos.com/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 81
No bride—including this bride(!)—wants to have back fat pouring out of the top of their strapless wedding gown. Chin up, it’ll be okay…no, literally…chinups are one of the best back workouts! This exercise will not only give you a sexy back, it will give you sexy arms! With the help of my trainer from Equinox, I am working my way up to conquering this exercise move.

How to do a chinup…baby steps…

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photo: Comstock/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 85
I’m hungry! My personal training sessions have gotten more intense and I’m now a running bride (clarification: just running for exercise…not away from Brian!), so I’m in desperate need of protein. Recently, I came across some info about scallops, a favorite of mine…turns out they’re a pretty great source of protein! These mollusks are composed almost entirely of protein, according to the book Look Better Naked. In fact, a 3-ounce serving provides 18 grams of the nutrient and just 93 calories. So, it’s a delicious and seemingly indulgent way to pack more protein into your diet. I’m sold—I’m working them in to a Fiancé Feast dish.

Here is a the best scallop recipe…

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photo: PacificCoastNews.com

DAYS UNTIL MY WEDDING: 94
Since I’ve been engaged, I’ve been so curious what brides-to-be are doing to prep for the big day, which is why I was thrilled to get some tips from Kim Kardashian‘s trainer, Gunnar Peterson.

Kim’s August 20th wedding date is quickly approaching (only 10 more days!), which means her get-in-shape plan is in full force! Here, Gunnar shares her top workout moves and exercise and nutrition tips—basic guideline: you’re never too busy to be healthy.

Here are some workout moves inspired by Kim Kardashian’s wedding workout routine:

Focusing On the Upper Body“We do a modified push/pull resistance workout with cardio intervals,” says Gunnar.
These are some examples of push/pull exercises…

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photo: Hemera/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 88
I am a (beginner) runner. While I have run before, I have been doing it all wrong (wrong shoes, wrong socks, wrong form, wrong attitude, etc). Last year, I ran the Damon Runyon 5K…I was a mess after the race. I had blisters all over my feet, shin splints and a crappy attitude. This time, I’m calling in the experts to give me some much-needed guidance.

Step One: The shoe must fit. Rather than guessing which shoe is the right fit, it’s best to go to a shoe store where they actually have you test them out. Jack Rabbit Sports, a NYC running speciality store, pioneered using treadmills with digital, still-frame video to help them make quality recommendations. I wound up with an Asics GEL-Kanbarra® 6.

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photo: Quentin Bacon

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 92
Looking for a romantic dinner dish that’s fun and different? I found it! These quinoa and crab-stuffed peppers, from Pretty Delicious, are unique, yummy and healthy—a perfect addition to our fiancé feast.

This recipe, which serves six, tastes great chilled the next day.

Here’s how to make it…

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 99
If you’re like me, you’re probably not 100 percent sure how to tone your abs, so I’ve pulled together five of the top ab workouts I do during my personal training sessions at Equinox.

Mountain Climber

photo: Beth Bischoff

A: Assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your ankles. Brace your core.

B: Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise your knee as close to your chest as you can.

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 102
Since I’m just shy of the three-month countdown to my November 12, 2011 wedding date, I’m revving up my personal training, yoga, spin classes, etc., and my appetite has become ravenous. To keep my daily calorie count in check and still have enough energy to get through the day, I have become the ultimate snacker. I eat about six times a day—three bigger meals and three snacks.

Here are the best snacks:

Greek Yogurt With Fruit

Hot Water With Lemon

Whole Wheat Pita

Asparagus

Tea With Honey
    

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photo: Beth Bischoff

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 106
Even though I’ve been taking personal training sessions for months now, there still comes a time when a new exercise kicks my butt and leaves me sore for a couple days. That time is now. The other day, I tackled the Turkish GetUp [pictured above], a total-body move, and boy are my arms, legs and butt tired! I asked my trainer, David Manzalaoui, for some tips to soothe my sore muscles.

Here they are…

Protein. Eat a small protein-filled snack within 30 minutes of a workout. Protein helps to rebuild the cells in your muscles, which helps ease any discomfort.

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 116
During my journey to become wedding fit, I have been introduced to some awesome workout trends, and Figure 4, offered at Pure Yoga, is no different. Figure 4 is a barre-based class that combines elements of classic dance training, Pilates, yoga, and free weights. The class derives its name from the well-known ballet stretch where dancers cross the ankle over the other knee and bend forward, creating a “four” with their legs. The number also denotes the four areas of the body that are sculpted within the hour-long class: abs, arms, glutes and thighs. If you’re looking for a break from personal training, this isn’t it—it’s a tough workout!

At the beginning of the class, my thighs were burrrrning. To be honest, I didn’t know if I was going to make it through the class, but I did [pictured: after class]! After the warm-up, we went on to focus on our arms, moved to glutes, went back to thighs, and ended with abs. Even though I have never been great at yoga or dance, I found this class challenging and enjoyable. Next day verdict: not too sore!

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 120
I’m not a fan of juice-only detox diets. Yes, I’ve tried a cleanse here and a cleanse there, but I always find myself MISERABLE during it. When I came across Cooler Cleanse‘s raw cooler, a detox diet where you actually get to eat, I decided to give it a try. I am, after all, on a quest to become wedding fit! Here’s my experience…

First Juice: Young Coconut Water
Ingredients: 100 percent pure, raw, young thai coconut water
I drank this before my morning workout. It was refreshing, and nothing too crazy for my taste buds that early (5AM!) in the morning.

Second Juice: Essential Red
Ingredients: carrot, beet, apple, lemon
When I got to work, tired from working out, I definitely needed something. While this was much lighter than my normal breakfast of either Fiber One cereal or Greek yogurt and fruit, it actually filled me up…for a little bit at least.

Snack: Cauliflower Couscous
Ingredients: cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, carrot, parsley, lemon, dates, cilantro, oregano, hemp seeds, coriander seed, garlic, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, sea salt
When it came time to chew something, I was thrilled! I admit, I savored each bite like it was my last meal, and it tasted so good. This snack came right around the time I started to get a little irritable (I’m mean when I’m hungry).

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photo: Equinox

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 124
I admit it: when I work out alone, I don’t push myself as hard as I should. When I’m not in personal training sessions, I opt to take exercise classes. At my gym, Equinox, there are tons of classes to choose from. Some of my favorites: kickboxing, spinning, kettlebells, and ViPR! While going to these workout classes, I’ve actually met a bunch of brides-to-be like myself aiming to get wedding fit. It’s so motivating to see them go through this process, too—some are getting married in the next couple weeks and others have a year to go.

Something I’ve just started doing, too…working out with my co-workers! Some of the WH online team hadn’t tried ViPR, so I asked them to come with me to a class [pictured above]—while sore after, they loved it!

What’s your favorite group exercise class? Do you (or would you) work out with your co-workers?

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photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 129
Weekend date nights are definitely important, but don’t forget about the weekday love! Since we’ve been engaged, Brian and I have started Fiancé Feast, a no-distraction, at-home, weeknight meal. The TV is off, candles are lit, and I’m not wearing my PJs—yep, I normally eat dinner in my PJs. Since we’re both trying to watch what we eat (and I don’t want to ruin what I’ve accomplished during my personal training sessions), we’ve come up with some delicious, healthy recipes. Here is a salmon recipe we love!

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photo: Katherine Perry

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 135During my personal training sessions at Equinox, we incorporate exercises that can be done at home or at the office. Pictured is a leg/thigh exercise you can do anywhere (I kick off my heels and do it in my office!). Keep one leg lifted and squat down in to a chair (do 3 sets of 12 reps on each leg)—you’ll feel the burn.
Since I’ve been training, I’ve actually come to embrace my larger thighs, which I’ve never loved. During challenging lower-body workouts, I feel strong and empowered by my thighs, rather than—well—embarrassed. I see and feel my lower half getter stronger, and I love it!

To celebrate my new thigh appreciation, I went all out on my garter [pictured right]! Meet the millipede from Kyoko Nakamura Design. This awesome garter, which can also be worn as a headband, armband, etc., has a spot where glow sticks can be inserted to make it light up! Hello, wedding night fun!
Whether you don’t like your thighs, butt, stomach, etc…learn how to boost your body confidence and love what ya got.

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photo: iStockphoto/Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 138
My kryptonite: weekend food/drink choices. During the week, my diet isn’t a problem, but once I hit happy hour on Friday night, my weekend is ruined. I’ve had shamefully unhealthy brunches, lunches, and dinners…I need to stop. So…I did something different this past weekend. I tried Look Better Naked‘s 2-day cleanse. Verdict: I liked it! Getting all of the ingredients on Friday night made it so simple to wake up to a healthy weekend. Here is what the cleanse looks like, so you can try it for yourself!

Breakfast:
Light Shake:
Blend 1 cup fat-free (or soy, almond, rice or hemp) milk,
1 cup berries,
1 tsp peanut butter or flaxseed oil, and
1 cup of ice until frothy

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DAYS UNTIL THE WEDDING: 141
When training, it’s important to switch up your routine…Easier said than done. My trainer staves off exercise boredom by incorporating some fun workout toys into our personal training sessions. Meet the ViPR! A ViPR (vitality, performance and reconditioning) workout blends strength training with functional movements, which increases the heart rate and promotes fat loss (Yes!).

Pictured up top is an example of a ViPR exercise move: lunge from side to side while cradling the ViPR on the same side as the bent knee; come up to a standing position and move to the other side. This movement is fast—shuffling from side to side while your core is tight. After completing three sets of 12 reps, I was out of breath and definitely felt the burn in my legs. This is one of those workouts that doesn’t just get you fit…it gets you wedding fit—love it!

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Wedding Date: November 12, 2011
The groom, dress, band, caterer and flowers are all in place, but there’s one thing that still needs some work…the bride, me! Ever since Brian, my fiancé, proposed, I’ve made it a mission to enjoy a stress-free engagement. I’d say ‘mission accomplished,’ but there is one thing keeping me up at night: jiggly arms, oh, and that honeymoon bikini (!). Join me as I navigate the final months leading up to my wedding. By focusing on personal training, nutrition and love (that is the whole point, isn’t it?), I hope to have a stress-free walk down the aisle.

The Benefits of a Personal Trainer
While I’m generally an ‘I’ll do this my way,’ kind of gal, I’ve been working with David Manzalaoui, a personal trainer at Equinox for the past 6 weeks. During my personal training sessions, we’ve been focusing on strength training (hello, flabby arms!) and endurance. Here is my progress so far:

Body Fat Percentage
Start: 19.6%
6 Weeks: 18.4%

Body Weight
Start: 135lbs
6 Weeks: 130lbs

Push-Ups
Start: 8
6 Weeks: 20

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